Chasin' the Horizon: The Railway Suite with the SNJO and SNYJO

For more than a century, jazz musicians have travelled the world by train, drawing inspiration from the distinctive rhythms, atmosphere, and romance of the rails. Trains not only provided a means of transport, but also became a powerful symbol of movement, progress, and musical exploration - connecting cities, cultures, and creative minds. The steady pulse of the tracks, the whistle’s call, and the fleeting landscapes glimpsed from carriage windows all found their way into the sound and spirit of jazz.

This enduring relationship has produced some of the genre’s most iconic compositions. John Coltrane’s Locomotion, Glenn Miller’s Chattanooga Choo Choo, Mary Lou Williams’ New Musical Express, and a host of works by Duke Ellington—including Toot Suite, Across the Track Blues, Deep South Suite, Sepia Panorama, Daybreak Express, and Take the A Train - each echo the rhythm and romance of railway life. These pieces do more than just reflect a mode of travel; they celebrate the cultural and social intersections that the railway enabled, particularly in a time when jazz was evolving as a vibrant expression of identity and resistance.

Today, as the world grapples with the realities of climate change, this historic affinity takes on renewed significance. At a time when sustainable travel has become an urgent priority, the train emerges once again as a practical and symbolic vehicle—allowing artists to tour responsibly while honouring the legacy of those who rode the rails before them. For the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the railway is more than a route - it is a rhythm, a story, and a commitment. Our commitment to climate-conscious touring aligns naturally with this heritage, as we seek to connect with audiences across regions while reducing our environmental impact.

The Railways Suite is both a tribute and a statement of intent: a celebration of jazz’s locomotive past and a reflection of our shared journey toward a more sustainable future - one track at a time.